I will attempt to undertake this tough task despite not having seen any of the players in action.

Perennial underachievers, the junior Tigers enter this edition of the Youth World Cup with perhaps the lowest level of expectation in the past several years. While its almost universally accepted that the 2006 squad featuring Test regulars like Shakib al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Mushfiqur Rahim was our strongest, the relative modesty of the current bunch might provide the perfect medium for an inspiring performance. But inexperience might explain the apparent weakness of this side: almost half the squad has made their U19 debuts this year.

While previous star-studded Bangladesh teams blew most of their opponents away with top performances from its big names, the current bunch rely more on team effort. With back to back matches against Sri Lanka and South Africa, the young cubs have their work cut out for them. South Africa have a very strong side and Sri Lanka recently beat Bangladesh comfortably in an Asia Cup fixture a few weeks ago. The following is a list of the squad and what to look out for.

Mohammad Anamul Haque (RHB, WK, captain)
Probably Bangladesh's finest batting prospect, young Bijoy has already earned an unofficial national cap in the recent T20 series in Zimbabwe. Though he had disappointing returns, his consistent output at every other level indicates that he is a fine talent in the classical mold who prefers to get set before going after the bowling. Despite opening in nearly all formats, from the practice games so far, it appears as though he will be slotted in at the # 3 position, a position where he seems to be naturally inclined.
Youth ODI stats (Avg: 31.00, SR: 78.89, 7 50s, 1 100)
List A stats (Avg: 16.28, SR: 74.26, 1 50)

Nurul Hasan (RHB, vice-captain)
Listed as an all-rounder, Nurul seems to be player underperforming with the bat. As an automatic pick, he must provide more when called upon if Bangladesh are to perform at maximal strength.
Youth ODI stats (Avg: 17.83, SR: 74.04)
List A stats (Avg: 14.33, SR: 69.35)

Soumya Sarkar (LHB)
Soumya is one of the best prospects from the 2012 class. He was consistent in the home series against England, and single handedly destroyed Qatar with an innings of 209 in the last Asia Cup. His will be a key wicket for the opposition.
Youth ODI stats (Avg: 28.55, SR: 76.94, 1 50)
List A stats (Avg: 6.50, SR: 100.00)

Asif Ahmed (RHB, OB)
Ratul can be an explosive scorer when he gets going. Although he has little problem making vital contributions, he seems to be having trouble cracking really big scores. However, his strokeplay lends hope in his ability to boost our total if he carries his bat till the end. He can also bowl some tidy off spin as a more than useful part timer.
Youth ODI stats (Avg: 25.36, SR: 69.05, 2 50s, Wkt: 7, Avg: 31.14, Econ: 4.24)
List A stats (Avg: 26.42, SR: 80.08, Wkt: 8, Avg: 33.87, Econ: 5.21)

Mosaddek Hossain (RHB, OB)
The 16 year old has already proven that he is the bedrock of this middle order with his impressive average and solid strike rate. Along with Soumya, he was Bangladesh's leading run scorer during England's tour last winter. He is also a very capable spin bowler, and can be counted on to stem the flow of runs as well as make crucial breakthroughs. He may not have the big name as Anamul or Asif, but he may be the single most important player on this team.
Youth ODI stats (Avg: 54.00, SR: 81.61, 3 50s, Wkt: 8, Avg: 26.75, Econ: 4.68)
List A stats (yet to debut)

Mohammad Al-Amin (RHB, OB)
Not quite as good as Mosaddek, Al-Amin is still a very crucial member of the side and one who has, in the past, taken Bangladesh to solid totals. He is yet another off break option for his skipper and as such might even challenge Noor Hossain as the leading spinner in the side.
Youth ODI stats (Avg: 29.28, SR: 81.34, 2 50s, Wkt: 9, Avg: 21.22, Econ: 3.47)
List A stats (yet do debut)

Salman Hossain (RHB)
His performance at this level hasn't been as good as he would have hoped for, and there is no better time than the World Cup to make amends. That being said, on performance alone, he deserves to warm the bench for the first couple of matches.
Youth ODI stats (Avg: 24.50, SR: 58.50, 2 50s)
List A stats (yet to debut)

Taskin Ahmed (RFM)
He will be the spear-head of the attack, and despite making limited appearances, seems to be a genuine prospect. He has a aesthetically pleasing action, and with his natural pace and height could be a handful on Australian wickets. He might be a bit wayward, but his solid strike rate of 31 means he can be counted on to take wickets up front.
Youth ODI stats (Wkt: 5, Avg: 29.80, Econ: 5.73)
List A stats (Wkt: 1, Avg: 31.00, Econ: 7.75)

Abu Haider (LFM)
At 16, he just tips Mosaddek as the youngest fella in this squad. He could be a really special bowler for us. A left arm seamer is always rare in Bangladesh and if he gets in the right rhythm he could be a destructive force. He will always be remembered for being the guy took 9-16 against Qatar to bowl them out for just 35.
Youth ODI stats (Wkt:0, Avg: N/A, Econ: 5.20)
List A stats (yet to debut)

Dewan Sabbir (RFM)
He has been a solid bowler thus far and also performed well in the last match against Sri Lanka. He will likely share the new ball with Taskin, being the most experienced amongst the pace attack, albeit not by many matches. His big hitting at the death will also be crucial if Bangladesh wish to progress out of the group stage.
Youth ODI stats (Wkt: 6, Avg: 26.66, Econ: 4.70)
List A stats (yet to debut)

Abu Jayed (RMF)
Has tended to be expensive in the few matches he's played, going for a combined 0-72 from just 11 overs in two innings vs England this year. He will likely only provide injury cover if one of the three frontline quicks goes down.
Youth ODI stats (Wkt: 0, Avg: N/A, Econ: 6.55)
List A stats (Wkt: 1, Avg: 30.00, Econ: 4.28)

Mohammad Noor Hossain (LB)
Its rare for Bangladesh to produce much in the spin department apart from an endless supply line of left arm spinners. In this context, finding a talented leggie is very exciting. As with most wrist-spinners, Munna can be expensive, and this tournament provides the best chance for him to redeem himself after a poor performance against Afghanistan that may have very well cost his team the match. Bangladesh will count on his vast experience in the crucial middle overs.
Youth ODI stats (Wkt: 37, Avg: 21.51, Econ: 4.03)
List A stats (Wkt: 26, Avg: 30.00, Econ: 5.00)

Nasum Ahmed (SLA)
No Bangladeshi squad is complete without an SLA, and for this trip we've made sure to pack a couple of them. Nasum has solid stats, and along with Noor, Naeem Jr, and Mosaddek, Bangladesh will have more than enough capable spinners to handle most conditions.
Youth ODI stats (Wkt: 9, Avg: 24.66, Econ: 3.52)
List A stats (yet to debut)

Naeem Islam Jr (SLA)
Yet another SLA, Naeem Jr also has the backing of solid statistics behind him. One might question why so many spinners have been picked on a tour to Australia, but perhaps the answer speaks about the lack of quality seamers in the ranks.
Youth ODI stats (Wkt: 8, Avg: 22.25, Econ: 3.51)
List A stats (yet to debut)

Great post. Sadly the plate competition seems more likely for us. BCB deserves praise for a let of their recent initiatives. But they ve screwed up on this one.

We ve had a lot of success and giant killing in past tournaments. But in those tournaments the squad prepared and worked together for long periods. The coaches we employed during those times were highly professional and brought in a lot of discipline. Think McIness, De Winter and even Shaun Williams to some extent.

But BCB seems to have lost focus the last couple of editions. They were satisfied with local coaches Nazmul Abedin Fahim and recently Jafrul Ehsan. None of these guys added value like their Aussie predecessors. Only in the last minute BCB asked Sarwar Imran and Jurgensen to help out. Can they make an impact time will tell.

Whatever the outcome of the tournament, i hope BCB appoints an under 19 coach on a long term basis. And not just anyone. It must be someone who can bring in passion, discipline, work ethic. You got to develop strong mindsets from an early age. Working on basic techniques shouldnt be the job of the national team coach. These things need to be sorted early. So bring in a qualified, professional coach. Doesnt have to be a foreigner. Plenty of talented local coaches out there-Salahuddin, Aminul Islam, Khaled Mahmud, Mashud.

Good work AF !
Anamul holds the key. His form in the first two unofficial games hasn't been so great and needs to chip in where it matters the most.
InshAllah we will be able to beat one of the top guns (and the associate) to secure a berth at QF.

__________________
Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest [Al-Qur'an,13:28]

Thanks fellas...I think Anamul will come good...he's too good not too. Mosaddek is too. I hope Soumya and Asif can join the party and Noor gets his groove back. We should really be disappointed if we can't make the QF and should look to beat SL first up before the tougher test against SA.

This has been said a million times in many sports: It's not how or where you begin, it's where you end up. as always said a bazillion times, hard work and determination is key. no doubt that talent is there too.. as Kevin Durant says(NBA superstar, Oklahoma City Thunder):

Quote:

Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.

Tamim Iqbal, as much as we blame him now for whatever reason, at one point during Jamie Siddon's tenure worked really really hard with his batting technique, the results: back to back centuries against England and a few more....

Originally Posted by Rifat
This has been said a million times in many sports: It's not how or where you begin, it's where you end up. as always said a bazillion times, hard work and determination is key. no doubt that talent is there too.. as Kevin Durant says(NBA superstar, Oklahoma City Thunder):

Tamim Iqbal, as much as we blame him now for whatever reason, at one point during Jamie Siddon's tenure worked really really hard with his batting technique, the results: back to back centuries against England and a few more....

TIK has the potential to be one of the best in the business, but he does not work hard all the time. He needs to shed weight and give up smoking. Long innings require strength as well as stamina.

Great job Asaad. I'm not nearly as cynical about this team as many in this Forum. I feel that if our top 5 batters click together and do what they're capable of doing, we'll shock everyone in the tournament with our best result yet. Our bowlers are good enough but Munna must find better form. I also have faith in our powerhitting down the order. My lineup is the same as the Nadster's with Chhoto Nayeem as a conditional option.

__________________
"And do not curse those who call on other than GOD, lest they blaspheme and curse GOD, out of ignorance. We have adorned the works of every group in their eyes. Ultimately, they return to their Lord, then He informs them of everything they had done." (Qur'an 6:108)

Originally Posted by Sohel NR
Great job Asaad. I'm not nearly as cynical about this team as many in this Forum. I feel that if our top 5 batters click together and do what they're capable of doing, we'll shock everyone in the tournament with our best result yet. Our bowlers are good enough but Munna must find better form. I also have faith in our powerhitting down the order. My lineup is the same as the Nadster's with Chhoto Nayeem as a conditional option.

Totally agreed. Nadim's got the right XI, and it should be persisted with for the first 2 games against SL and RSA. I too believe the top 5 is one of the teams strengths, that the spinners are our usual forte, and that the pace attack is one of best we've ever fielded at this level. In fact, Bijoy has singled the seam attack out as the teams strong suit, and its not that often that is said about a Bangladesh side.